Newcastle United could be given the chance to sign AC Milan and Uruguay left-back Diego Laxalt in the summer transfer window, according to a report from the Chronicle.
Rafa Benitez’s side were linked with a move for Laxalt in the January transfer window, as they searched for a new left-back, but Newcastle were reportedly put off a move for the Uruguayan because of AC Milan’s demands for the player.
Laxalt has struggled for game time under Gennaro Gattuso at AC Milan so far this season, making just six starts in Serie A all term. It is thought that the Italian club would be open to letting the 26-year-old leave the European giants this summer, with the likes of Atalanta, Lazio and AS Roma all potential destinations for Laxalt this summer.
Any move for Laxalt would see Newcastle pass up on their opportunity to sign Antonio Barreca, who joined on loan from Monaco in January, on a permanent deal after the Italian has failed to earn a regular starting place at St James’ Park.
OPINION
It is no secret that high on the list of Rafa Benitez’s summer transfer plans, should he decide to stay on as Newscastle manager, will be a new left-back. So far this campaign Paul Dummett has been predominantly played in the left-back position, when Benitez has opted to play with a flat back four. The 27-year-old Wales international has helped Newcastle keep six clean sheets in his 23 appearances Premier League appearances so far this season, but there is a feeling that in order for Newcastle to improve next term they are in need of more quality in the left-back position. Diego Laxalt was amongst Benitez’s main transfer targets in January, with the Uruguayan having the energy and versatility to play as both a left-wing back and a traditional left-back. Newcastle supporters will be hoping that the club’s board can convince Benitez to stay at St James’ Park beyond the summer, one way they will strengthen their ability to keep him is by promising to deliver him his top transfer targets in the summer.
